JULY 2022 £3.50 YORKSHIRE & LINCOLNSHIRE’S LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www.blmgroup.co.uk VOLUME 37 ISSUE 7 Party hardThe solution to the skills crisisA fresh start 01.qxp_Layout 1 04/07/2022 13:37 Page 1ISO/IEC 17020 / ISO 9001 / ISO 14001 / OHSAS 18001 For all enquiries please TELEPHONE: 01469 575728 | Email: ukinfo@irisndt.com www.irisndt.co.uk CHATHAM | DERBY | DEESIDE | HULL | IMMINGHAM PEMBROKE DOCK | STOCKTON-ON-TEES ADVANCED NDT •Remote Robotic Inspections – Visual & UT •Drone Surveys – Internal and External •Laser Scanning •Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing •Time of Flight Diffraction (TOFD) •AUT & PAUT Corrosion Mapping •Tube Inspection (IRIS, ECT, RFT, NFA) •Guided Wave Testing – Long Range UT •QSR1 – Corrosion Under Pipe Supports •MFL – Tank Floors and Pipelines •HTHA Inspections (TOFD, TFM, PAUT & TULA) CONVENTIONAL NDT •X-Radiography & Gamma Radiography •Computed and Digital Radiography •Close Proximity Radiography •Ultrasonic Inspection •Magnetic Particle Inspection •Dye Penetrant Inspection •Eddy Current & Eddy Current Array •Positive Material Identification (PMI) •Hardness Testing •Ferrite Testing •ACFM Inspection •Vacuum Box Testing INSPECTION AND TESTING SERVICES IRISNDT is a leading provider of Asset Integrity Engineering, Non- Destructive Testing, Heat Treatment and Laboratory services. This is achieved through investment in training local personnel, continuous development of our facilities and refreshing our equipment to offer the latest in technology and innovations. This is supported by a strong commitment to safety, quality, and the environment. IRISNDT are closely supported by our colleagues in Canada, the USA and Australia. ADDITIONAL SERVICES •Rope Access •Heat Treatment •Pressure Testing •Welding Inspection •Materials Laboratory (ISO 17025) •Welder Training •Failure Investigations •Pressure System Inspections •Storage Tank Inspections •Pipeline Inspections •Out of Service and In-Service Inspections •Category 1, 2 & 3 Inspectors •Written Schemes of Examination (WSE’s) •Fitness for Service (FFS) Assessments •Engineering Calculations •Maxi-Trak Field Services (Customized Software) •Bund Surveys 02.qxp_Layout 1 04/07/2022 13:39 Page 1The magazine that cares We care because we want to leave our world a better place than we found it Business Link believes that being socially and environmentally responsible is the key to maintaining a flourishing business that our customers will be pleased to use and our staff will be proud to be part of. Community - From a very local point of view, we strive to be a ‘good neighbour’. We also extend that into the much broader local community, through financial support of local causes and charities. Environment - Our actions extend to: conservation of energy and natural resources, minimisation of waste and ensuring our trading partners do likewise. From the Editor We’re in the latter half of the year now and an unwelcome bit of news is the resurgence of COVID cases across the country. It’s unlikely this will lead to another lockdown because the Government would have to backtrack on many of its promises, and a core basis of Boris Johnson’s supporters (those not turning on him due to scandals) are those who like to claim the lockdown was unnecessary in the first place. As such, unless other countries start going into lockdown and force his hand, it’s unlikely we will have another. That is not to say that we should ignore the problem, however. At the time of writing one of our staff has already tested positive and been advised to work from home, and this may become a more regular occurrence in the working world. We would never suggest a return to working from home for everyone if it damaged companies before, but it’s well worth taking a few inexpensive steps to mitigate the risk. Facemasks may not be mandatory yet but some social distancing, even if it’s just two metres between desks or chairs, can help reduce the chances of contracting it. It may well be that this is the new normal moving forward and that we’ll always have the risk of COVID returning, in which case it’s best to get used to best practice now rather than run the risk of an infection sweeping through an office and putting your workforce out of place. We don’t focus on COVID in this issue (thankfully) and instead look at some of the new pressures facing the economy and what steps businesses are taking to circumnavigate, avoid or even take advantage of them. We also delve into the world of apps, both computer and mobile, and how they are redefining points of access for consumers and businesses both. After all, in a world where you can order food to your door via an app, why can we not order legal, consulting or financial advice to our business? Beyond that, we explore the concept of parties – specifically the Christmas party – and how employers might not be able to skimp and save on it this year. Good reading as always. Michael Fisher Editor 03.qxp_Layout 1 04/07/2022 13:39 Page 1JULY 2022 6 News The latest business news and success stories from around our region. 12 Commercial property With a plethora of fresh acquisitions, lettings and new developments in progress, Leeds is welcoming rising interest in offices. 16 Cooden Tax Consulting Q&A The complex laws about how to claim back on research and development can be difficult for many to understand. This month we met with Simon Bulteel, Director and Founder of Cooden Tax Consulting, to find out all about it. 18 Design and marketing With lockdown firmly behind us, how up to date are your business cards, brochures and exhibition equipment? If the answer is that they haven’t been changed since before lockdown, it might be time to take a look at them. 22 Engineering One of the major movements in engineering is environmental engineering, as the country and our region tries to move toward a net zero economy. 26 IT and telecommunications As technology changes and the world becomes more digital, businesses in the region are quickly adapting to the potential available in online apps. 30 Training and apprenticeships With recruitment and skills crises, apprenticeships are being proposed as a potential solution, while holding a key role in the levelling up agenda. 34 Christmas in July It may feel too soon to talk about Christmas parties but given two years in lockdown, failing to have one in 2022 might be a warning death knell to disillusioned and socially starved employees. 38 AutoLink Summer is here, so we’ve done our research on the coolest convertibles for this season. 42 Events We take a look at business events happening around Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. 46 And finally… Yorkshire-Lincolnshire- Business-Link @blmforum blmforum.net CONNECT WITH US 18 26 30 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 04/07/2022 13:40 Page 1Group Editor Steve Fisher (s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk) Editor Michael Fisher (m.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk) Journalist Tess Egginton (t.egginton@blmgroup.co.uk) Eleonora Gallina (e.gallina@blmgroup.co.uk) Editorial contact newsdesk@blmgroup.co.uk Tel: (01472) 310305 Fax: (01472) 310317 Sales Director Angela Cooper (a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk) Vicky Hunt (v.hunt@blmgroup.co.uk) Kerry Randerson (k.randerson@blmgroup.co.uk) Tel: (01472) 310301 Fax: (01472) 310311 Tel: (01472) 310304 Fax: (01472) 310314 Haychart Ltd, Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby, N.E. Lincs., DN31 2QE. reproduced, transmitted, photocopied, recorded or otherwise without express permission of the copyright holder, for which application should be addressed first to the publisher. While every reasonable care is taken, neither the publisher nor its prints, colour transparencies, negatives or other material of whatever nature submitted to this publication. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views of those held by the publisher. COVER PHOTOS: ROLLS-ROYCE • STOCK.ADOBE.COM - NEW AFRICA • KZENON • LUCKYBUSINESS • STNAZKUL 22 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 04/07/2022 13:40 Page 2Plans submitted for major apartment scheme on Leeds brownfield site Plans to regenerate a brownfield site on Mabgate with approximately 310 apartments, as well as communal, co- working and creative space have been submitted to Leeds City Council. The proposed scheme would bring a unique landmark development to an underutilised site within an existing creative environment. Subject to planning permission, the proposed development will further the regeneration that is taking place in this area of Leeds and offer a choice of accommodation on a key gateway site between St James’s University Hospital and the city centre. The scheme will centre around a communal heart, as a focal point for residents to meet, relax and collaborate. The hybrid planning application, which seeks permission for the principle of the development, is being brought forward by HBD, a Yorkshire founded developer. It is anticipated that further ‘reserved matters’ planning applications will be submitted at a later date to agree the details of appearance, access, landscaping, layout and scale. 6 Business Link www.blmforum.net NEWS Sheffield company behind ‘nurse call’ systems for care homes raises further £850k A Sheffield company which provides advanced ‘nurse call’ systems for care homes has secured an £850,000 investment from Traditum Private Equity and NPIF – Mercia Equity Finance, which is managed by Mercia and is part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF). This latest round of funding will enable Arquella to expand its sales and marketing team and target the growing residential care home market across the UK and Europe. Arquella provides its cloud-based advanced nurse call system for adult social care services under the brand AIDA. Founded in 2017, Arquella received an initial £350,000 investment from NPIF – Mercia Equity Finance in 2020. The platform is currently used in 26 care homes. Steven Holmes, commercial director at Arquella, said: “We’re extremely pleased to receive further investment from Mercia, with whom we have always enjoyed a strong and supportive relationship, and we’re very excited about our new partnership with Traditum. To have our progress and vision recognised and bought into by an investor with so much experience in the healthcare technology space is a huge compliment.” Yorkshire business confidence dips Business confidence in Yorkshire fell seven points to 27% in June, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. Companies reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down 10 points to 34%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy overall, down three points to 21%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 27%. Yorkshire businesses however flagged a range of growth opportunities for the next six months, including investing in their team (41%), evolving their offering (36%), and diversifying into new markets (32%). Steve Harris, regional director for Yorkshire & the Humber at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “The UK faces an unprecedented set of economic challenges as inflation, supply chain pressures and falling consumer confidence combine. Despite this, Yorkshire and the Humber businesses are showing remarkable levels of resilience and a clear determination to evolve and grow. “Across the board, we see management teams focusing on long-term goals whilst working to shore up their working capital to allow them to jump on opportunities quickly.” © stock.adobe.com/Freedomz © stock.adobe.com/kamui29 06-11.qxp_Layout 1 04/07/2022 13:42 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 7 NEWS Investment firm swoops for Lincolnshire agricultural equipment specialist The listed Japanese conglomerate, Marubeni Corporation, has signed an agreement to divest Spaldings to investment firm, Inspirit Capital. Established in 1956, Spaldings has grown to become one of the UK and Ireland’s largest distributors of tillage aftermarket equipment, as well as an emerging player in professional groundcare, forestry and industrial products. Lincolnshire-based Spaldings employs over 140 people and has a network of over 30,000 customers. The business also benefits from a number of exclusive or preferred distribution agreements with product manufacturers, as well as an in-house design team focused on the Spaldings own brand product range. Inspirit Capital is a London-based investment firm that specialises in acquiring businesses that are no longer core to their parent company’s strategic objectives and require a different ownership structure to achieve their full potential. Will Stamp, founding partner at Inspirit Capital, says: “We are very pleased to be investing in Spaldings. We are excited about the prospect of continuing to grow the business, both organically and through select acquisitions.” Hundreds of new jobs to be created at new warehouse development in Wetherby Hundreds of new jobs are to be created at a new warehouse and industrial development that will be built at Marston Business Park in Tockwith, near Wetherby. Marston Business Park is one of the largest industrial estates in North Yorkshire comprising over 190,000 sq ft across 54 acres. Planning consent has been approved for eight new units that will be built across two different plots. Plot B will offer five units ranging from 3,000 sq ft up to 6,000 sq ft, whilst Plot C will offer three units ranging from 10,500 sq ft to 46,500 sq ft. Construction will start in September with practical completion due for April 2023. Marston Business Park was recently acquired by Columbia Threadneedle Investments, a global asset management group which is funding this new development. The units are being marketed by Gent Visick (GV), whilst the estate and the construction is being managed by Workman and Partners. Construction starts on major mixed-use development in Wakefield Multi-disciplinary construction company, Harris CM, has started work on a £10 million contract building a major new mixed-use development at Wakefield’s City Fields development. The 110,000 sq ft development, by DeVeer Estates, which is the commercial arm of Berkeley DeVeer, is located on Neil Fox Way and will be known as the City Fields District Centre. It will consist of eight retail units including a 24,500 sq ft supermarket, a children’s nursery, a management suite and 14 apartments. City Fields is a substantial 375-hectare new development that is creating a new community of over 2,500 homes, a new primary school, parkland and other public realm, connected via the new Wakefield East Relief Road. Harris CM is also currently building 77 houses at City Fields on behalf of Rula Homes. Jason Adlam, CEO at Harris CM, said: “It’s great to be starting work on another major development that will contribute towards the continued regeneration of our hometown of Wakefield. We are also thoroughly enjoying working on City Fields District Centre alongside several other Wakefield based companies including architects, The Harris Partnership and HJ Consulting Engineers.” © stock.adobe.com/REDPIXEL 06-11.qxp_Layout 1 04/07/2022 13:42 Page 2TOWER FIELD SERVICES Cat Tech Tower Field Services offers bespoke mechanical services to oil refinery and petrochemical plants all around the world. Our team has vast experience in overseeing and undertaking the installation of all types of Tower internals. Our Tower tray, packing and other internals installation services has deep roots, with several of the senior team at Cat Tech being involved in the founding of the Cana-Tex organisation. Since 1971, Cana-Tex had been the premier global Tower speciality contractor; performing Tower maintenance and plant turnaround projects around the world. These origins, with the addition of new team members, make Cat Tech Tower Field services a global operation which is both cost effective and technically experienced. We strive to create new ways to make your Tower work safer, faster and more productive and that can make very good things happen for your business. We thrive on exceeding our clients expectations and understand the need for upfront communication in relation to timescales and costs. No-one likes surprises in this industry and we ensure that everything is done, from pre-job planning, on site activities to post job reporting in a manner which allows our customers to concentrate on their core business. Let us show you what we can do. We work hard to maintain an industry reputation for safety, speed and dependability. Ours crews have been trained by us, this allows us to staff a project with the proven skills necessary to produce customer satisfaction. It is our intention to demonstrate the benefit of utilising Cat Tech for all of your Tower work. The benefits of engaging Cat Tech are: l Experienced Tower specialists. l Proven track record. l Ability to supply spares and replacements. l Spade to Spade service. l Revamps or modifications to Towers / Internals. l Inspection of Tower internals. l Supervision of external/client labour force. l Detailed inspection reports. l Cleaning of tower internals. l Reactor tray field services. l Turnkey reactor tray field services. At Cat Tech, we continue to create new ways to make Tower work safer, faster and more productive. And that can make very good things happen for your business. Contact us for further information. Our well established sales team have a wealth of experience. We take pride on ensuring all enquires are dealt with quickly and efficiently. China: Cat Tech Services (Shanghai) Ltd., Room 1230 No.1, 58 Nong Huachi Road, Putuo District, Shanghai 20061 CN Phone: +(86) 2152 9175 08 Fax: +(86) 2152 9175 05 Singapore: Cat Tech Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., 17 Fan Yoong Road, Singapore 629794 Phone: +(65) 6264 6261 Fax: +(65) 6264 6401 South America: Please contact the UK office on +44 1724 871 747 Thailand: Cat Tech Services (Thailand) Ltd., 2/1 Soi Banbon Nuenpayom Road, Maptaphut Sub District, Muang Rayong District, Rayong Province 21150 TH Phone: +(66) 894 064 100 Fax: +(66) 638 692 382 MAKING YOUR PLANT WORK… SMARTER www.cat-tech.com PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/KAWINNINGS 06-11.qxp_Layout 1 04/07/2022 13:42 Page 3www.blmforum.net Business Link 9 NEWS York-based communications provider secures investment for growth Private equity firm LDC has made a significant minority investment in Cellhire, a provider of mobile Voice and Data and Internet of Things (IoT) communications services. Headquartered in York, Cellhire offers high-speed and secure ways for businesses and partners to stay connected worldwide. It has built key partnerships with UK mobile network operators (MNOs) Vodafone, O2 and EE through long established ISP agreements. Internationally it has developed partnerships with more than 40 MNOs and rolled out its first Full MVNO on the Orange network in France. Cellhire serves customers across multiple distribution channels including B2B, B2C, White Label, Partner and M2M/IoT wholesale airtimes from offices in the UK, Germany, France, Japan and the USA. LDC is backing the existing management team, led by chairman Tim Williams and group CEO Martyn Stevens. Tim Williams said: “Our team has worked incredibly hard over the last couple of years to strengthen our range of products and services. With LDC’s support we’re now at an exciting stage of our journey to broaden our proposition through technology and service.” Siemens Mobility to expand £200m rail village in Goole Siemens Mobility is to expand its £200m rail village in Goole by building a new £7m component facility which will create up to 30 new jobs. The component facility, opening in 2023, will be built by GMI, which has developed the rest of the Siemens rail village, using their 100% British supply chain, over 70% of which based in Yorkshire, bringing further investment to the region. Teams at the new facility will maintain traction drives and motors for Siemens Mobility UK train fleets, and will also maintain HVAC air conditioning units, with maintenance of further components for trains expected to be confirmed in the future. As well as creating up to 30 jobs, business and expertise into the area, this vital infrastructure will help keep over 450 trains from Scotland to Southampton running, and therefore help millions of passengers move around the UK. This development will further establish Goole as a centre of excellence for rail technology in the UK. With up to £200m investment from Siemens Mobility, 700 new jobs will be created with a further 250 roles during the construction phase and an additional 1,700 indirect supply chain opportunities. Lee Powell, CEO of GMI Construction Group, said: “We are committed to bringing added value to the projects we deliver, which includes utilising the talent and capabilities of local supply chain businesses. From within our wholly British supply chain, two thirds of the companies we have brought to this flagship project are Yorkshire-based, supporting local jobs, and keeping a strong proportion of the financial value of the development in the region.” 07710 792907 • 07711 206611 enquiries@dustandgocleethorpes.co.uk www.dustandgocleethorpes.co.uk Contract Cleaners Commercial /residential cleaning, deep cleaning, weekly cleans, daily antibacterial wiping of touch points/surfaces and much more. We also have disinfection machines which are used as standard on all deep cleans and contract cleans. We currently have contracts for: • Schools • Pubs • Offices • Workshops • Houses All our staff are DBS checked and fully up to date with relevant training needed. © stock.adobe.com/Chrispo Tim Williams, chairman at Cellhire 06-11.qxp_Layout 1 04/07/2022 13:42 Page 4Next >